High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
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I’ve been making this High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites for busy weeknights when I want a filling, hands-off meal that still tastes like I spent time cooking. Tender cubes of beef and soft potatoes bathed in a garlicky butter broth — it’s comforting, protein-packed, and conveniently low-effort.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe hits the sweet spot between simple and satisfying. It’s a one-pot slow cooker dinner with minimal prep, great for meal prep, and naturally high in protein thanks to the beef. Use it on nights when you want something hearty without babysitting the stove, or bring it to a potluck where people want real comfort food.
“I made this after a long day and it felt like Sunday dinner — the beef was melt-in-your-mouth and the garlic butter sauce was addictive.”
It’s also forgiving: swap potatoes for more veggies, double the recipe for a crowd, or tweak the seasonings. For more slow-cooker takes on garlic-butter beef, check this similar recipe: slow-cooker garlic butter beef bites.
How this recipe comes together
High-level steps so you know what to expect: combine cubed beef and diced potatoes in the slow cooker, whisk a quick garlic-butter broth, pour it over, and cook low and slow until the beef is tender. No searing is required, but you can brown the beef first for extra depth. Total hands-on time is about 10–15 minutes; cook time ranges from 3–8 hours depending on heat setting.
Gather these items
- 1 lb beef bites (cubed beef) — chuck or sirloin works well. (Tip: trim excess fat if you prefer leaner.)
- 2 cups potatoes, diced — Yukon gold or red potatoes hold shape nicely.
- 1/2 cup garlic butter — use real garlic butter or combine softened butter + minced garlic.
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup beef broth — low-sodium if watching salt.
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Substitutions/notes: For a lower-carb version, swap potatoes for cauliflower florets. If you need dairy-free, use garlic-infused olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. For alternate portion guidance and ingredient swaps, see this variation guide: garlic butter beef bites variations.
Step-by-step instructions
- Add the beef bites and diced potatoes to the slow cooker in an even layer.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the garlic butter, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and beef broth until smooth.
- Pour the garlic-butter broth evenly over the beef and potatoes. Gently stir once to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The beef should be fork-tender and the potatoes soft.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley.
Short, clear actions keep the process painless: measure, mix, pour, cook, and garnish.
Best ways to enjoy it
- Serve over a bed of steamed rice or buttered egg noodles to sop up the garlicky sauce.
- Spoon over mashed potatoes for extra comfort.
- Plate with a crisp green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts for color and crunch.
- For a picnic-style meal, serve alongside crusty bread and corn on the cob.
Try plating the beef bites in a shallow bowl and ladling sauce over the top to make the dish look restaurant-ready.
Storage and reheating tips
- Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking. Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
- To reheat, microwave in short bursts until warm, or reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened.
- To freeze: cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Food safety note: always ensure reheated beef reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Pro chef tips
- For more depth of flavor, sear the beef cubes in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side before adding to the slow cooker. It’s extra work but worth it.
- Cut potatoes uniformly (about 1-inch pieces) so they cook evenly. Smaller pieces will cook faster and might fall apart on long low-cook times.
- If the sauce is too thin at the end, whisk 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into the slow cooker, then cook on high for 15–20 minutes to thicken.
- If using frozen beef, thaw in the fridge first for even cooking; frozen meat can lengthen the cook time and risk overcooked potatoes.
- Want a brighter finish? Stir in a squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar just before serving to cut the richness. For additional technique ideas, see this helpful tips page: garlic butter beef bites tips.
Creative twists
- Add root vegetables: toss in carrots or parsnips for a fuller one-pot meal.
- Make it spicy: add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the broth.
- Herb-forward: swap parsley for thyme or rosemary for a different aroma.
- Creamy finish: stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end for a richer sauce.
- Sheet-pan shortcut: if you don’t have a slow cooker, you can roast the seasoned beef and potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 25–35 minutes, turning halfway.
Your questions answered
Q: Can I use frozen beef bites?
A: It’s best to thaw frozen beef in the refrigerator before cooking. Frozen meat increases slow-cooker time and may cause uneven cooking or softer potatoes.
Q: How long does this take from start to finish?
A: Hands-on prep is about 10–15 minutes. Cook time is 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high.
Q: Is this really high protein?
A: Yes — a pound of beef provides a substantial amount of protein per serving, especially when divided into 3–4 portions. Pairing with a protein-rich side (like quinoa) boosts the total protein even more.
Q: Can I make this low sodium?
A: Use low-sodium or homemade beef broth and reduce added salt. Taste at the end and adjust with small pinches.
Q: How do I thicken the sauce?
A: Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water) and simmer on high for 10–20 minutes until thickened.
Conclusion
If you want another slow-cooker take on garlicky steak bites, this version from Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites – The Country Cook is a great reference for technique and flavor profiles. For a closely related recipe with slightly different seasoning and prep notes, check out Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites – KJ and Company.
Enjoy the comfort of tender beef and buttery garlic sauce with minimal fuss — perfect for busy nights or make-ahead dinners.
High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Add the beef bites and diced potatoes to the slow cooker in an even layer.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the garlic butter, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and beef broth until smooth.
- Pour the garlic-butter broth evenly over the beef and potatoes. Gently stir once to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The beef should be fork-tender and the potatoes soft.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley.
